Trip hook for mooring of vessels and releasable locking means therefor



Sept. 18, 1962 5. ss 3,054,635

TRIP HOOK FOR MOORING VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS THEREFOR Filed May 21, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 WSW pt- 1962 s. voss 3,054,635

TRIP HOOK FOR MOORING OF VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS THEREFOR M 3 X K w Sept. 18, 1962 s, 055 3,054,635

TRIP HOOK FOR MOORING OF VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS THEREFOR Filed May 21, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 18, 1962 5. voss 3,054,635

TRIP HOOK FOR MOORING OF VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS THEREFOR Filed May 21, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENyvln p 1962 s. voss 3,054,635

TRIP HOOK FOR MOORING 0F VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKING MEANS THEREFOR Filed May 21, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 NVENTOR.

Patented Sept. 18, 1962 TRIP 1100K FUR MOURHQG F VESSELS AND RELEASABLE LOCKENG MEANS THEREFOR Siegfried Voss, Bremerhaven, Germany, assiguor to Aktien-Gesellschaft Weser, Bremen, Germany Filed May 21, 1959, Ser. No. 814,751 Claims priority, application Germany Italy 16, 1958 13 Claims. (Cl. 294-83) The present invention relates to an assembly for facilitating mooring of ships at mooring posts, and more particularly to improvements in trip hooks to which the ship cables may be releasably fastened as well as to locking means for releasably holding the hooks in cable retaining position.

Cargo ships, particularly large tankers, do not always dock at the pier wall but are berthed at mooring posts often at a considerable distance from the dock wall, as soon as the distributor head with its piping is fixed to shore to constitute a communicating connection with the tanks in the ships interior. Owing to such consid erable distance between the ship and the dock wall, very long and extremely heavy cables are necessary to tie the vessels to shore, the weight of the cables being such that even a number of workmen cannot rapidly and securely separate the same from the customary solid bOllard-s to which the cables are presently fixed.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide an improved retaining device to which very long cables leading to ships berthed at mooring posts may be releasably connected, and which can be operated by a single workman without any danger to his safety and without requiring exertion of substantial effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cable retaining device of the above outlined characteristics which is so constructed that it may be unlocked by a single workman stationed at a safe distance therefrom, and which is capable of automatically returning into operative or cable retaining position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cable or rope retaining device which is so constructed as to store a certain amount of energy during movement into cable releasing position, the amount of stored energy being sufficient to automatically return the retaining device into operative position as soon as the cable is released.

A still further object of the instant invention is to provide a cable retaining device of the above outlined characteristics which is of very compact design and of relatively lightweight construction, which comprises a comparatively small number of component parts, and which may be utilized with equal facility for securing very long and heavy as well as shorter and lighter ship cables.

A concomitant object of the invention is to provide a novel locking and tripping or releasing arrangement for the above described cable retaining device which is constructed with a View to prevent injury to the operator, to occupy little space so as to be actually insertable into the framework of the cable retaining device, and which may be utilized with cable retaining devices of varied designs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a locking and tripping or releasing arrangement for the above described cable retaining device which requires a very small angular movement from its locking position into the position for releasing the cable, and which is constructed with a view to prevent damage to its parts when a very heavy cable is suddenly released by the retaining device.

With the above objects in view, the invention consists essentially in the provision of a two-armed hook pivotally mounted in a preferably bifurcated or two-legged frame in such manner that a median portion thereof is slidable on the ground and causes the hook to move out of a position of equilibrium while the cable is being released therefrom so as to return by gravity into operative position immediately upon complete release of the cable, and of novel locking means for releasably holding one arm of the hook as soon as the latter automatically returns into operative position. The locking means comprises a system of levers, pawls and links, and an eccentrically mounted stop which may be retained in locking position by a suitable pawl and which is moved by the hook into idle or non-locking position as soon as the retaining pawl is swung by the links and a handgrip member, the latter preferably actuatable by a trip cord or the like. The return movement of the stop into locking position may be brought about in part by gravity, in part by a shock absorber which is carried by the frame, and in part by one arm of the hook when the latter automatically returns into cable retaining position. The operator need not physically move any of the parts into hook-retaining position but merely releases the trip cord whereupon a spring moves the pawl into a position to retain the stop against further movements together with the trip hook which latter is then ready for retention of a cable.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in paiticular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of two specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the trip hook in operative position with a part of its frame and the releasable locking means therefor omitted;

FIG. 2 shows the hook in cable releasing position in which it stores energy for automatic return into operative position;

FIG. 3 shows the hook in the position of FIG. 1 and the locking means therefor in operative position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG 3;

FIG. 5 is a tranverse section taken on the line 55- of FIG. 4, as seen in the direction of arrows;

FIG. 6 illustrates the hook of FIG. 3 in cable releasing position and the locking means therefor in idle position;

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view of a part of the hook and of one element or stop of the locking means therefor in a. position before the hook is locked against movement in a direction to release the cable;

FIG. 8 illustrates the hook of FIG. 7 in locked position;

FIG. 9 shows a slightly different hook and certain parts of a modified and differently mounted locking system therefor; and

FIG. 10 shows in fragmentary view one arm of the hook illustrated in FIG. 9 with the stop therefor in the position of FIG. 9 shown in full lines and with its releasing position shown in phantom lines.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a cable retaining device comprising a trip hook I having a cable engaging first arm 1a and a second arm lb. The arms enclose therebetween an angle of preferably less than to form a substantially V-shaped recess 10, and the convex outer end face 1d of the hook intermediate the arms 1a, 1b rests upon the ground 2 e.g. the upper side of the dock wall. The hook is pivotally mounted on a horizontal pin or axle 3 which extends transversely between and is installed in the forward ends of elongated legs forming part of a frame 4, only the leg 4a being shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the sake of clarity. The frame legs carry at their undersides a transverse connecting member which simultaneously serves as an abutment for the arm 11; of book 1 in both of the latters extreme or end positions. The right-hand or rear ends of the legs forming part of the frame 4 are pivotably mounted on a horizontal pin 6 which carries a boss 7 located between the legs, the boss being connected with a vertical guide 7a whose lower end is slidably received in a horizontal channel 2a formed in a saddle 2b constituting a part of or connected with the ground or dock wall 2.

It is assumed in FIG. 1 that the arm 11) of hook 1 is engaged by a stop of the non-represented locking means to hold the hook in illustrated position, the stop acting against the flat face 8 at the free end of arm lb. The point A of the convex end face 101 on hook I which contacts the ground 2 is in substantial vertical alignment with the axis of pivot in 3, and a median portion of the arm 1b rests upon the surface 5a of transverse connecting or abutment member 5. A cable 9, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1, is then receivable in the recess and is securely retained in such position by the arm 16:, it being assumed that the tension of cable 9 acts in the direction indicated by arrow B.

As soon as the arm 11) is released by the non-represented stop of the locking means, i.e. as soon as the stop is removed from the path of end face 8, the weight and the tension of cable 9 cause the hook I to perform an angular movement in counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 3 into the position of PKG. 2 whereby the convex surface 1d slides along the ground 2. The angular movement of hook 1 is terminated when the arm 1a reaches a nearly horizontal position enabling the cable 9 to be withdrawn from the recess 1c in the direction of arrow B. Because the center of curvature of the convex surface 1d does not coincide with the axis of pin 3;, the movement of hook 1 from the position of FIG. 1 into that of FIG. 2 causes the hook to lift the forward end of frame 4 and the pin 3 when the point C of convex surface 1d comes into contact with the ground 2. Point C is not in vertical alignment with the axis of pin 3 but is spaced from the vertical plane passing through the axis of this pin a distance indicated by reference numeral x therefore, as soon as the cable 9 slips off the free end of arm 1a, the weight of the hook 1, of the pin 3, of a part of the frame 4, and of the non-represented locking means which is mounted on the frame 4, cause the hook I to automatically return into the position of FIG. 1 by pivoting in clockwise direction about the pin 3 until the arm 11) returns into abutment with the surface 5a of abutment member 5. The extent of counterclockwise movement of hook I about its pin 3 into the labile position of FIG. 2 is determined by the surface 51; on abutment member 5 which then comes into contact with the arm 1b. Thus, the vertical weight component acting in the axis of pin 3 is capable of automatically returning the hook 1 into cable retaining position. It should be noted here that the weight of a hook is considerable, e.g. between 500 and 600 kg, since it must withstand tensional forces of up to and exceeding 90 tons when it holds a cable in the recess 1c; therefore, it will be readily understood that the parts rapidly return from the position of FIG. 2 into that of FIG. 1 as soon as the cable 9 is released. The entire assembly may be longitudinally displaced in a horizontal plane when the guide member 7a is permitted to slide in the channel 2a; frame 4 with hook 1, pin 3 and the locking means may be pivoted in a vertical plane about the axle 6; and the hook I is pivotable in a vertical plane about the pin 3. The movement of member 7a in saddle 2b is necessary to permit adjustment in the position of the entire assembly with respect to the dock wall 2, whereas the angular movements about pivots 3 and 6 enable the '9 into releasing position.

hook I to operate in the above described manner, i.e. that it may automatically return into operative position when pivoted clockwise, and that it may store energy for automatic return movement when pivoted by the cable The cable is drawn from the distant vessel, e. g. a large tanker, by non-represented towline winches fixed to the wall 2 which move the cable all the way into engagement with the arm 1a. Upon release from hook 1, cable 9 is withdrawn onto the vessel by the latters own winches. Since only the initial step in the release of a cable must be brought about by manpower, while the return movements of hook 1 into operative position are fully automatic, a single workman standing preferably at a safe distance from the hook 1 can release the locking means in a manner to be fully described in connection with FIGS. 3 to 8. It will be readily understood that the provision of an automatically returnable trip hook represents a considerable improvement particularly as regards the safety and savings in the required number of personnel, since it was heretofore necessary to employ many workmen for returning a hook, weighing between 500 and 600 kg, back into operative position. It can be said that the book 1 and frame 4 constitute a toggle lever which is caused to bend or knick for a short period of time when the cable is free to exert a rotating force upon the hook, and which automatically returns into the position of equilibrium as soon as the force of the cable ceases to act thereagainst. The toggle consisting of parts 1 and 4 stores energy while it moves from the position of equilibrium (FIG. 1) into the labile position (FIG. 2) and, because the point of contact C is not vertically aligned with the axis of pivot pin 3 which latter connects both components of the toggle, the toggle invariably returns into the position of equilibrium when the tension exerted by the cable 9 upon member 1 ceases. In addition, such energy is also stored in the parts carried by the toggle, i.e. in the locking or hook retaining means. In the position of FIG. 2, the portion of arm in between the point C and the pivot 3 constitutes one component, and the frame 4 constitutes the other component of the toggle, and these components enclose an obtuse angle therebetween.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the locking means for the hook 1 in operative or retaining position. Member 1 is presumed to be under tension exerted against its arm 1a by cable 9 in the direction of arrow B. The cable acts against the inner wall of hook I in the latters recess 10 which is slightly to the right from vertical alignment with the axis of pivot pin 3. This increases the moment of force generated by the tension acting upon the arm 1a in the direction of arrow B. The moment remains constant during the first stage of angular displacement of hook I to insure separation of cable 9 therefrom as soon as the flat end face 8 of arm 1b is free to pivot about pin 3. The flat end face 8 is shown in abutment with the underside lliic of an eccentric stop N which is provided with two symmetrically disposed brackets 10a, 10b pivotably mounted on a pair of coaxial bolts 11a, 11b carried by frame legs 4a, 4b, respectively. A reinforcing transverse frame member 4c is provided below the eccentric stop 10 to connect the legs 4a, 4b and to serve as an abutment for one part of the locking means as will be described hereinafter. The flat underside of stop 10 is disposed between the brackets 10a, 1017, as is best shown in FIG. 5. Bracket 11b is connected to or integrally formed with an elongated lever 12 which extends forwardly generally in the direction of pivot pin 3. The forward end of lever 12 is formed with a notch 12a which receives the nose of a pawl 13 non-rotatably fixed to a rockable transverse shaft 14 supported by legs 4a, 4b. The shaft is adjacent to the sloping surface 50 of abutment member 5 and is rockable by a link 15a which is articulately connected to a second link 15b. The latter link is pivotally fixed to the lower end of a two-armed actuating member or handle 16 which is pivoted to frame leg 4a at 17 and whose free upper end is connected to a trip cord 18 shown in FIG. 3 in phantom lines. The handle 16 is constantly biased in anticlockwise direction by a resilient element 19 which is anchored in frame leg 4a. The handle 16 is shown in FIG. 3 as consisting of two parts 16a, 1612 the former of which is telescopically receivable in a suitable aperture formed in the upper end of part 16b. As can be observed in FIG. 4, the dimensions of links a, 15b are such that they may be received in the space between frame legs 4a, 4b which space also nearly fully receives the arm 1b of hook 1 when the latter is in the position of FIG. 3. The lateral sides of arm 1b taper in the direction toward its free end, i.e. toward the end face 8. Such reduction in the dimensions and hence in the weight of the locking means and of the hook is very desirable. The pivot pin 17 about which the two-armed handle 16 is rockable is preferably close to the stop 10.

To release the hook into the position of FIG. 6, cord 18 is drawn in the direction of arrow D to rock the handle 16 is clockwise direction about its pin 17. Link 15a then rocks the shaft 14 and pawl 13 in anticlockwise direction to move the latters nose away from the notch 12a whereby the tension of cable 9 acting in the direction of arrow B causes the hook 1 to pivot in anticlockwise direction. Such movement of hook 1 causes the surface 8 of its arm 1b to pivot the stop 10 about its bolts 11a, 11b in clockwise direction in order to move the surface 100 out of the path of surface 8. The outer face 1a of hook 1 slides along the wall 2 to lift the pivot 3 and the forward ends of frame legs 40, 4b into the aforedescribed labile position. The stop 10 must describe an angle of only 46 to release the end face 8, i.e. only half the distance covered thereby in FIG. 6. Ad ditional angular movement of stop 10 is due to its inertia and to the substantial force exerted against its locking surface 100 by the arm 1b while the latter rotates anticlockwise due to the tension of cable 9. After rotating through about 90, the lever 12 comes into abutment with the spring biased head 21 of a shock absorber which is mounted on the frame leg 4a. Due to the resilient mounting of head 21, the lever 12 recoils and returns back into the position of FIG. 3, i.e. the locking surface 100 of stop 10 returns into substantially horizontal position shown in full detail in FIG. 7. The distance between the common axis 22 of bolts 11a, 11b and the surface 100 is indicated at X Line 23 connects the axis 22 with the center of curvature 24 of the convex surface 3a at the free end of arm 1b. The radius of curvature of the convex end surface 8a is indicated by numeral 25.

In the position of FIG. 7, stop 10 and arm 1b form a knee lever and, upon movement of arm 1b in clockwise direction, the surface 8a causes the stop 10 to swing in clockwise direction about the axis 22 into the phantomline position 10, shown in FIG. 8, while the edge 26 between surfaces 8, 8a on the arm 1b passes downwardly beyond the edge 27 between the locking surface 100 and lateral surface 10d of stop 10. Owing to the weight of lever 12 which is rigidly connected with the stop 10, the latter then returns into the position of FIG. 8 in which its underside 10c abuts the end face 8 of arm 1b. The cord 18 is then released by the workman, and the coil spring 19 returns handle 16, links 15a, 15b and pawl :13 into the position of FIG. 3, i.e. the nose of pawl 13 swings with the shaft 14- in clockwise direction and enters the notch 12a to retain the stop 10 in locking position. The extent of anticlockwise movement of pawl 13 into releasing position is limited by the aforementioned surface 5c of abutment member 5. Similarly, the upper forward edge of transverse frame member limits the angular movements of lever 12 in anticlockwise direction.

As before stated, frame 4 is pivotable in a vertical plane about pin 6 and the entire assembly is longitudinally movable in a horizontal plane along the upper face of dock wall 2 to be guided in such movement by the cylindrical member 7a.

FIG. 9 illustrates a slightly modified hook 101 whose arm 10119 is considerably longer than the arm :lb of hook 1. The modified locking means comprises a one-piece handle 116 which is pivoted to frame leg 4a at 117 and articulates a long link 115b, a short link 115a, and a pawl 113 which latter is fixed for rotation to a transverse shaft 114. It will be noted that the pivot 117 of handle 116 is located at that side of stop 110 which is turned away from hook 101, i.e. the stop is located between the pin 117 and pin 103, whereas the pivot 17 of the assembly shown in FIGS. 36 is located between the stop 10 and pin 3. This arrangement provides more room for insertion of a cable into the V-shaped recess 101a.

FIGS. 9 and 10 further show that the stop 110 is slightly different from the member 10, i.e. its upper side is of convex shape and it must turn through full into the phantom-line position of FIG. 10 before its locking surface 1100 is moved out of the path of the surface 108 on arm 10 1b. This is due partly to the fact that the surface 108 is somewhat closer to the center of surface 110a, i.e. further away from the edge 127. Otherwise, the operation of the locking means shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is analogous to that described in connection with FIGS. 3 to 8.

Due to the provision of an eccentric stop 10* or 110', also called a half bolt, whose purpose is to take up the forces exerted against the hook by a cable, the releasing or tripping mechanism may be of lightweight design and occupies very little space, i.e., as best shown in FIG. 4, it can be housed in the space between frame legs 4a, 4b. If the stop is constructed and mounted as in FIGS. 3 to 6, it need rotate only through 46 to release or unlock the hook, i.e. to permit release of a cable. The moment of force acting upon the locking surface of the stop may be varied by changing the distance X that is, the distance between the locking surface of the stop and the axis about which the stop rotates. Thus, regardless of the forces acting upon the hook 1, the dimensions and the weight of its frame and of the locking and tripping means therefor may be kept within very practical and economical limits. It will be readily understood that the mounting of lever 12 in such manner as to point toward the pivot pin 3 of hook 1 when the stop 10 is in locking posi tion, and the mounting of pawl 13 at a point close to pin 3 also add to compactness of the novel assembly. With the exception of hook I or 101, of handle 16 or 116 and of lever 12 or 112 in (releasing position) no other movable parts extend beyond the outlines of frame members 4a, 4b, and any movements of parts 1 or 101, 12 or 112, and 16 or 116 are in a plane between the frame legs. This is an important safety factor as an operator can stand close by if he desires without being in any way endangered by the hook or by the locking and tripping means therefor. However, it will be readily understood, that, if desired, the lever of the stop and the releasing handle with its links and the pawl may be mounted externally of the frame 4. As before stated, the provision that the innermost part of the recess 10' or 101a in cable-retaining position of the respective hook is located to the right, i.e. toward the stop 10 or 110, from vertical alignment with the axis of the pin about which the hook rotates further insures that the hook may be fully pivoted into cable releasing position as soon as the stop 10 or 110 is sufficiently rotated. The danger of blocking during movement of the hook into cable releasing position or of non-release of the cable by its hook once the stop is sufficiently pivoted is eliminated.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can be applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of this in- ,1 vention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a hook having an arcuate end face in contact with the ground and two angularly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and supporting the hook for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position, said end face, by virtue of its contact with the ground, constantly urging the hook into said cable retaining position; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, the hook being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm and automatically returning from said cable releasing position into said cable retaining position by virtue of its contact with the ground as soon as the cable is released.

2. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a hook having two angularly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween and a convex outer end face resting on the ground; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and supporting the hook for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position whereby said end face slides along the ground, said end face, by virtue of its contact with the ground, constantly urging the hook into said cable retaining position; means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means mounting the frame for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground; and means mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane, the hook being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm and automatically returning from said cable releasing position into said cable retaining position by virtue of its contact with the ground as soon as the cable is released.

3. A device for releasably fixing a ships cable to a dock wall having an upper side, the device comprising, in combination: a hook having an arcuate outer end face in contact with the ground and two angularly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and supporting the hook for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position, said end face eccentric with respect to said pivot means whereby the hook is constantly urged into cable retaining position by virtue of the contact between said end face and the ground; means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means mounting the frame, for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the upper side of the dock wall; and second pivot means connected with said last mentioned means and mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane, the hook being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm and automatically returning from said cable releasing position into said cable retaining position by virtue of its contact with the ground as soon as the cable is released.

4. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a trip hook having two angularly disposed arms defining a. cable receiving recess therebetween and a convex outer end face resting on the ground, said end face having a center of curvature; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and sup porting the hook for rotation about a horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position whereby said end face slides along the ground, the pivot means having a horizontal axis spaced from the center of curvature of said end face whereby the hook lifts a portion of said frame and said pivot means when moved into cable releasing position and automatically returns into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means for releasably locking one of said arm-s to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means mounting the frame for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground; and means mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane, the book being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm and automatically returning from said cable releasing position into said cable retaining position by virtue of its contact with the ground as soon as the cable is released.

5. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a trip hook having two angu larly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween and a convex outer end face resting on the ground, said end face having a center of curvature; a frame for the hook comprising two spaced legs; pivot means mounted between the legs of the frame and supporting the hook between said legs for rotation about a horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position whereby said end face slides along the ground, the pivot means having a horizontal axis spaced from the center of curvature of said end face whereby the hook lifts a portion of said frame and said pivot means when moved into cable releasing position and automatically returns into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means comprising a substantially vertical guide connected with and mounting the frame for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground; and second pivot means connected with said guide and mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane at a point distant from said first mentioned pivot means, the book being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm and automatically returning from said cable releasing position into said cable retaining position by virtue of its contact with the ground as soon as the cable is released.

6. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the book being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, means for releasably maintaining said stop in a position in which said locking surface is in the path of said one arm, and means for actuating said last mentioned means.

7. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said re cess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the hook being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, a lever connected to said stop and rotatable therewith about said axis, shock absorber means fixed to the frame in the path of said lever and so positioned as to stop said lever when the locking surface is out of the path of said one arm and to recoil the lever into the position in which the locking surface returns into the path of said one arm, means for releas ably maintaining said lever in a position in which said locking surface is in the path of said one arm, and means for actuating said last mentioned means.

8. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination; a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; abutment means in the path of one of said arms for arresting the hook in said cable retaining and said cable releasing positions, respectively; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the hook being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking said one arm to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, means for releasably maintaining said stop in a position in which said locking surface is in the path of said one arm, and means for actuating said last mentioned means.

9. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the hook being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, and said stop further having a lateral surface forming an edge with said locking surface and engaged by the one arm when the hook moves into cable retaining position to pivot said stop about said axis from the path of said one arm, means for releasably maintaining the stop in a position in which said locking surface is in the path of said one arm while the hook is in cable retaining position, and means for actuating said last mentioned means.

10. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination; a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the hook being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, and said stop further having a lateral surface forming an edge with said locking surface and engaged by the one arm when the hook moves into cable retaining position to pivot said stop about said axis from the path of said one arm, means for releasably maintaining the stop in a position in which said locking surface is in the path of said one arm while the hook is in cable retaining position comprising a lever fixed for rotation with said stop and a pawl rockably fixed to said frame and adapted to engage the lever when the stop is in a position in which the locking surface is in the path of said one arm, and means for rocking said pawl.

11. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a frame comprising two spaced legs each having two ends; a first and a second horizontal pivot axle mounted in and extending between said legs at the respective ends thereof; a hook rotatably mounted on said first axle, the hook having two angularly disposed arms defining therebetween a recess for reception of a cable and a convex outer end face resting on and slidable along the ground when the hook rotates about said first axle between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess, the curvature of said end face being such that a portion of said frame and said first axle are lifted by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground when the hook is in said cable releasing position to automatically return the hook into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess; means connected to said second axle and comprising a vertical guide slidable in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground, said frame with the hook being swingable in a vertical plane about said second axle; and means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position, said locking means comprising an eccentric stop mounted in said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a locking surface spaced from the axis, said locking surface being movable into and from the path of said one arm when the stop is rotated, a lever connected to said stop and extending in a direction toward said first pivot axle when the hook is in cable retaining position and the locking surface of the stop is in the path of said one arm, pawl means rockably mounted in the frame and adapted to engage said lever, a spring biased handle pivotably mounted in the frame, a trip cord connected to the handle for pivoting it in a direction opposed to the bias, and a linkage connecting said handle with the pawl means, the pawl means being rocked away from said lever when the handle is pivoted by said cord.

12. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a hook having two angularly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween and a convex outer surface resting on the ground; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and supporting the hook for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position, said axis being eccentric with respect to the center of curvature of said outer surface whereby said surface slides along the ground when the hook moves between said positions solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess and maintains the hook out of equilibrium when the latter is in cable releasing position, the hook automatically returning into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground; means for releasably locking one of sad arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means mounting the frame for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground; and means mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane, the book being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm.

13. A device for releasably retaining a cable which comprises, in combination: a trip hook having two angularly disposed arms defining a cable receiving recess therebetween and a convex outer end face resting on the ground, said end face having a center of curvature; a frame for the hook; pivot means mounted in the frame and supporting the hook for rotation about a horizontal axis between a cable retaining and a cable releasing position solely by the tension of the cable, received in said recess whereby said end face slides along the ground, the pivot means having a horizontal axis spaced from the center of curvature of said end face whereby the hook lifts a portion of said frame and said pivot means when moved into cable releasing position and automatically returns into cable retaining position when the cable is released from said recess by virtue of the hooks contact with the ground; abutment means for arresting the hook in cable retaining and cable releasing positions, respectively; means for releasably locking one of said arms to maintain the hook in cable retaining position; means mounting the frame for movements in a horizontal plane with respect to the ground; and means mounting the frame for angular movements in a vertical plane, the book being movable from said cable retaining into said cable releasing position by the tension of the cable received in said recess when the locking means releases said one arm.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,333,511 Small Mar. 9, 1920 1,368,647 Myers Feb. 15, 1921 1,813,294 Hunt July 7, 1931 2,547,313 Gosser Apr. 3, 1951 2,896,995 Stephens July 28, 1959 2,903,292 Himel, Jr. Sept. 8, 1959 

